If you’ve followed basketball for the past two decades, you are very familiar with JJ Redick and likely have strong opinions about him.
Reddick had an accomplished career on the basketball court. The former national collegiate player of the year at Duke finished his NBA career ranked in the top 20 all-time among all NBA players in total 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage. He also ranks top-10 in career free-throw percentage.
But he has since become just as prolific and relevant off the court.
Redick was the first NBA player (and the second active pro athlete) to host a podcast during the regular season. He now appears on ESPN’s First Take and offers his unique perspective when he provides color commentary for NBA games on the ESPN/ABC telecast.
He was recently nominated for a Sports Emmy for Emerging On-Air Talent.
Redick caught up with us over Zoom to discuss his journey from becoming one of the all-time most hated players in college basketball (even though he doesn’t like to think of himself that way) to the beloved basketball media personality that he is now.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.